The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions, Senegal has been stripped of their championship title after they forfeited the finals against Morocco by walking off the pitch. The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Appeal Board has officially declared Morocco the champions with a result of 3-0 in their favor.
This ruling, which applies Article 84 of the AFCON regulations, has stirred discussions among fans and analysts alike, especially regarding the implications of the Senegal team's conduct during the match.
Additionally, the CAF Appeal Board made several decisions concerning player misconduct and penalties related to both teams. For instance, the player's fine and suspension have been reviewed, alongside other considerations involving the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football's (FRMF) conduct during the match.
The CAF Appeal Board also ruled that:
- “The appeal lodged in respect of Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is partially upheld.
- The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) committed misconduct in violation of Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
- The sanction imposed on Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is amended to a suspension of two (2) official CAF matches, of which one (1) match is suspended.
- The fine of USD 100,000 imposed on Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is set aside.
- The appeal lodged in respect of the ball boys incident is partially upheld.
- The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is responsible for the conduct of the ball boys during the aforementioned match.
- The fine imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the ball boys incident is reduced to USD 50,000.
- The appeal lodged in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is dismissed.
- The fine of USD 100,000 imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is confirmed.
- The appeal lodged in respect of the laser incident is partially upheld.
- The fine imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the laser incident is reduced to USD 10,000.
- All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”